INTENSE FIGHTING CONTINUES BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS IN GAZA
The United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after the US did not veto the measure in a shift from its previous position. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is the first time the council has called for a ceasefire since the war began in October after several failed attempts. The move by the US signals growing divergence between it and its ally Israel over Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group which governs Gaza and which triggered the war with an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, also welcomed the resolution. It said it was ready to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides.
Fighting has continued overnight between Israel and Hamas in Gaza despite a United Nations Security Council resolution being passed on Monday evening, which demanded an immediate ceasefire. The southern city of Rafah was bombed by Israeli warplanes overnight, according to witnesses, while fierce gun battles raged around hospitals in the cities of Khan Younis and Gaza City. Rocket warning sirens also sounded in Israeli towns near the Gaza border. Israel reacted furiously to the UN Security Council vote, which saw the US its closest ally abstain, allowing the resolution to be passed.
